This auction features a concentrated and well-rounded offering of sewing notions, ladies accessories, barware and collectible fans, with the strongest emphasis on Victorian and early 20th-century eras.

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Bid online now through Thursday, February 5th at alderferauction.com. This auction will begin closing at 7 PM at a rate of 5 lots per minute. Active bidding will be auto-extended 3 minutes for each lot once it begins to close.

The catalog includes sewing boxes in wood and papier-mâché, needle cases in silver, bone, and wood, figural and cushion-form pin cushions, thimbles, chatelaines, tape measures, bodkins, and sewing birds in brass, steel, and cast iron. A range of English and continental examples appear throughout, including marked pieces by W. Avery & Sons, alongside unmarked but finely constructed accessories reflecting period craftsmanship.

Sewing companions, needle books, miniature etuis, and novelty-form tools expand the selection, illustrating both functional design and decorative intent. Construction techniques include turned and carved wood, cast and stamped metal, engraved surfaces, and mixed-media assembly. Condition and surface character are consistent with age and use, with patina, wear, and detailing contributing to authenticity. Several groupings combine related sewing accessories, offering opportunities to acquire cohesive assortments suited for study, resale, or collections.

The fan offerings represent a second dominant category and include both fixed and folding examples dating from the late 19th century through the early to mid-20th century. Collectors of assorted World Expositions will find many pieces from 1893 through 1965. Materials include bone, celluloid, paper, and fabric, with printed, applied, and pierced decoration. Advertising fans appear alongside souvenir and commemorative examples tied to travel, popular culture, and domestic life. Parasol fans and novelty designs add visual variety, while grouped fan lots provide scale and breadth within the category.

Noteworthy fan themes include period advertising graphics and well-known cultural references, including examples associated with the Dionne Quintuplets. Condition varies across individual and grouped lots, with attention to surface decoration, structural integrity, and original components.

Overall, the auction emphasizes collectible domestic objects with strong visual presence and historical context. The depth of sewing-related material and fans creates a focused offering well suited to collectors, decorators, and dealers seeking authentic examples across a broad range of forms, materials, and periods.

Buyer’s Premium | 23%

Preview

In-House Preview by appointment only

Tuesday, February 3rd | 9AM – 3PM

Wednesday, February 4th | 9AM – 3PM

Schedule a Preview via preview@alderferauction.com | 215.393.3000

Pick-Up
Successful Bidders will be notified to schedule a pick-up following the auction. Schedule your pick-up with Alderfer Auction by following this link: https://booking.appointy.com/alderferauction. Customers must schedule or inform Alderfer Auction of pickup or ship date and time, within fifteen (15) business days after the auction closes. On the sixteenth (16) business day, the buyer will incur a storage fee of $5.00 per day up to the 60^th day at which point the product will be considered abandoned despite payment status and without notification. Please see Terms and Conditions for full details.

Pick-Up Location
Alderfer Auction
501 Fairgrounds Road
Hatfield, PA 19440

Shipping
Third party shipping is available for this auction. Please contact shipping@alderferauction.com or see our terms and conditions for a list of recommended local shippers.

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NOTE: We reserve the right to adjust auction information and dates.